Candidate Profile 2021: Antonetta Stancu, District Attorney

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — Antonetta Stancu, an attorney focused on criminal justice for 17 years, is the challenger for District Attorney of Bucks County. Her opponent is incumbent Republican Matthew Weintraub.

Stancu is a Democrat who hopes to take a proactive approach to issues including mental health, gun violence, the opioid epidemic, diversity within the DA’s Office, and COVID-19 mitigation.

The general election will take place on Nov. 2.

Here's Stancu's profile, as filled out by the candidate:

Age (as of Election Day)

43

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

Michael (husband), two children

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

BA from Lehigh University; JD from Hofstra's Maurice A. Dean School of Law

Occupation

Attorney (17 1/2 years)

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None

Campaign website

https://antonetta4da.com/

Why are you seeking elective office?

I have devoted my career to improving the criminal justice system, making sure that the system is tough when necessary but fair to those that deserve diversion and assistance. I believe I have been given the ability to give a voice to those who are vulnerable and can’t always speak out for themselves.

I want to unify the Bucks community that has become so divided. I want to eliminate politics from the criminal justice system. I will fight for community programs that reunite and represent every member of our community. We need to do better. At this moment, the system ignores issues that plague so much of our community AND ignores crucial members of our community. I will be the DA that ensures all members receive equal justice.

The single most pressing issue facing our community is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

I believe it is the mental health crisis that has affected so much of our community. I will ensure that mental health services and protocols are comprehensively integrated into every facet of the criminal justice system so that we can divert people to be able to get assistance. It will be the key to work with our mental health professionals, law enforcement, and those personally touched by the crisis. This will ensure more successful drug rehabilitation and lower crime rates.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

My passion for the work. Criminal prosecution is not just a job or career stepping stone for me, it is my calling. I was born to fight on behalf of my friends, family, and neighbors. It is work that I love and the pursuit of justice and fairness is something that drives me day in and day out to do the best I possibly can for my community. That's how I was raised: to better my community.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?

I believe the current administration has failed to take a more proactive approach when it comes to mental health, gun violence, the opioid epidemic, diversity within the DA’s Office, and COVID 19 mitigation. Our County currently lacks a Mental Health Court and no integrated mental health training, a coordinated Gun Task Force between law enforcement and gun shop owners, expanded access to mental health services, and a targeted effort to recruit individuals from different backgrounds in order to present a representative staff commiserate with the diverse communities within Bucks County.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Working to institute a Community Policing Model with the goal of bridging the gap between law enforcement and the community; fighting domestic violence by working hand-in-hand with advocacy groups; fighting on behalf of workers to ensure that workplace safety laws are taken seriously throughout Bucks; protecting our seniors from fraud and abuse... these are all issues I plan to address when elected to office.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have been a part of the criminal justice system for 17 ½ years. I served in the Bronx County DA’s Office as an Assistant DA, was an Assistant United States Attorney under the Obama Administration and served as a Deputy DA here in Bucks County. In all of these offices I specialized in the toughest, most violent crimes, seeking justice for victims. My commendations include: Prosecutorial commendation from The Department of Justice (Attorney General Eric Holder, 2010), Network of Victim’s Advocates Law Enforcement Recognition Award (2013), Bucks County District Attorney’s Office John Wagner Memorial Award (2014), Prosecutorial commendation from the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office (2016), Pennsylvania Narcotics Officers Association “Outstanding Prosecutor Award” (2017), Prosecutorial commendation from The Office of the Attorney General (Josh Shapiro) of Pennsylvania (2018), Prosecutorial commendation from The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Counterterrorism Unit. (2018), and Bucks County District Attorney’s Office Valor Award (2015 & 2019).

The best advice ever shared with me was:

If something isn’t working, be a part of the solution.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

My parents are both immigrants from the former Yugoslavia. They each journeyed here separately at different stages of their lives and met here. My mother came as a young girl. My father came many years later as an adult. I was lucky to be able to get an education. I was the first in my family to graduate High School. As a result of my background and the values instilled in me, I knew I wanted to serve people and offer a voice to those who couldn’t speak for themselves. I went to law school with a strong interest in immigration law. I realized during law school that criminal justice was a way that my voice could be best heard. I was brought up to make sure you leave the world a better place for those that come after you. This is what I strive to do daily.